Thermo-electric device for therapeutics.



J. B. 'WAGONER, DECD.

A. M. WAGONER. SPECIAL ADMINISTRATRIX. THERMO ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR THERAPEUTICS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-3|, 1914.

PatentedSept. 21, 1915.

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A. M. WAGONER, SPECIAL ADMINISTRATRIX. THERMO ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR THERAPEUTICS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.3I, 1914.

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llNlllE STAT-fig ANT FFTQEQ JAMES B. WAGONER, DECEASED, LATE 015 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, BY ALMA M. WAGONER, SPECIAL ADMINISTRATRIX, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

THERMO-ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR THERAPEUTICS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 21,1915.

Application filed August 31, 1914. Serial No. 860,109.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that JAMES B. WAGONER, deceased, formerly a citizen of the United States residing in the city and county of Los Angeles and State of California, did invent a new and useful Improvement in Thermo-Electric Devices for Therapeutics, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a thermo-electro device wherein an electric current is produced, which operates to relieve certain ailments or disorders of the nerves and tissues; and the objects of the invention are first, to provide a device of the character described, by means of which a beneficial effect is pro duced on the nerves and tissues without in any manner causing deleterious results following treatment; second, to provide a suitable dielectric covering for the, bottom of the device; third, to provide means for indicating the presence of a current within the device; and fourth, to provide a suitable electrode adapted to be placed in contact with the body of the patient at a point distant from the point of application of the device.

For a full and complete comprehension of the device reference should be: had to the drawings forming a part of the present specification, wherein like characters of reference are used to designate similar parts throughout the said specification and drawings, and in which I Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device disclosing the plug by means of which the said device may be connected to a source of electrical energy and the terminal secured to one of themetallic elements. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of Fig. 1 disclosing the induction coil or transformer within the cylindrical body and also the manner in which the end of the device is covered with a soft fabric. Fig. Sis a vertical sectional View taken on line XX of Fig. 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow disclosing the manner in which the two metallic elements are insulated from each other and at the same time rigidly secured together for the purpose of providing a rigid construction. Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional view of the device; and Fig. 5'is a diagrammatic view of the electrical connections.

The invention comprises a cylindrical bodvor shell of suitable size and formed of two semi-circular metallic'elements 1 and 2,

each comprising one-half of the shell and To the element 1 a single insulated wire 8 is connected, as at 9, and is provided on the free end thereof with an electrode 10.

Through the head 3 a suitable electric socket 12 is secured provided with a connection 1 1 and a plug terminal 15. A lamp 16 is connected up with the wire circuit of the connection 14 by means of the socket 12.

A transformer is provided in the following manner: An annular recess 17 is provided in both the semi-circular elements 1 and 2 and contains the primary 18 of an induction'coil, which is connected by means of Wires 19 directly to the socket 12. A secondary winding 20 of the transformer is wound adjacent to the primary coil and has one of its terminals secured to the member 1, and the other to member 2. I

In applying the device for use in the treatment of diseases the terminal 10 may be applied to the region of the body near the solar-plexus and the open end of the shell, which is covered by a. soft fabric 22, arranged to serve as a dielectric, may be placed over the affected part with the result that the action set up by the current is such as to ver perceptibly ease the pain or modify the local irritation and bring about a normal condition of the nerves or tissues in the vicinity of the treated area.

The operation of the device is as follows: The electrode 10 beingconnected through the semi-circular element 1 with one side of the secondary 20 of the transformer, it is evident that when the electrode 10 isbrought into proximity with the element 2 a comparatively strong current will flow through the secondary circuit, the electrode 10 and the semi-circular element 2 acting as the two elements of opposite polarity of a condenser and the air acting as a dielectric. In a similar manner when the electrode 10 is applied to the body and the casing containing the lamp and the electrode 2 placed over another portion of the body the body will act as one element of a condenser and. the element 2 as the other, the soft fabric 22 serving the purpose of a dielectric. Under such conditions a current will flow through the secondary winding of the transformer, the element 1, electrode 10, the body, and by induction across the soft fabric 22 to the element 2 and back to the secondary winding.

It is obvious from the foregoing that the device is well adapted to produce a mild electric current and also that the light which is provided will readily indicate to'the operator the presence of a current within the transformer so that he may be governed accordingly.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is l I 1. In a thermo-electro device for therapeutics; the combination of a cylindrical shell formed of two semi-circular members of opposite polarity insulated from each other; a transformer secured around the shell; suitable connections between the secondary of the transformer and each of the semi-circular members.

2. In a thermo-electro device for therapeutics, the combination of acylindrical shell formed of two semi-circular members of opposite polarity insulated from each other; a transformer secured around the shell; suitable connections between thesecondary of the transformer and. each of the semi-circular'members; and a suitable fabric secured to the lower end of the shell and arranged to act as a dielectric.

3. In a thermo-electro device for therapcutics, the combination of a circular transformer comprlslng primary and secondary coils; suitable electrical connections secured to the primary and arranged to connect the said primary with a suitable source of electrical energy; a cylindrical shell within the transformer and .formed of two semi-circular members electrically connected to the opposite ends of the secondary of the transformer; an electrode connected to one of the semi-circular members; and a suitable fabric secured to the lower end of the transformer and arranged to act as a dielectric.

4. In a 'thermo-electro device for therapeutics, the combination of a cylindrical shell formed of two semi-circular members of opposite polarity insulated from each I other; a transformer secured around the shell; an insulated head secured within one end of the shell; an electric switch securedwithin the insulated head and having electrical connection to the primary of the transformer; suitable electrical connections.

secured to the switch by means of which the same may be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy; suitable connections between each semi-circular member and the secondary of the transformer; an electrode secured to one of the semi-circular members; a handle secured to the shell; and a suitable fabric secured to the bottom of the shell and arranged to act as a dielectric.

In Witness whereof 'I hereunto set my signature in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALMA WAGONER, Special administratrim 0f the estate of James B. Wagoner. Witnesses: IRENE DOWNEY, D. B. RICHARDS. 

